Happy feet

Because of the drug Thalidomide, Sue Kent says, she has only seven fingers and arms just eight inches long. Tired of being desk-bound, she looked to her feet to provide a working alternative

For about six years I’d been using my feet to give massages. Then I decided to investigate massage as a career option.

To work in a clinic, I had to get a recognised professional qualification and show I could do everything that an able-bodied therapist could do, including head and face massage, with my feet.

Although the foot can’t do what the thumb and forefinger can, healthy trained feet can be as sensitive as hands for the purpose of massage. The basic strokes don’t need much dexterity of the toes, just flexibility in the hip, knees and ankles.

Generally I work from a centralised seated position and my clients – ranging from ten to 82-years-old, and split equally between the sexes – lie on a massage couch on the floor.

I’ve found I can give a powerful massage without much effort: this is popular with more muscular clients. I also have sensitive control of my toes, so that finer parts of the body like the hands and face get equally successful attention.

Initially I worried there might be some resistance to offering body massage with feet.

My solution for this was to do taster sessions at shows and found that any initial uncertainty was quickly replaced by interest and bookings.

Potential customers are occasionally put off when I explain that I have short arms, but most people are more open-minded.

I found little guidance for massage that uses the feet so I produced and now sell a DVD that covers the techniques I’ve developed.

The DVD gives a demonstration full-body massage and illustrates foot exercises to develop flexibility in the toes, feet, legs and hips. I also demonstrate a full pedicure because soft, well-maintained feet are essential for massage.

I have strong abdominal and leg muscles because I’ve practised yoga all my life and have therefore found that working professionally as a massage therapist does not strain my body, but I do restrict my bookings to four hours of treatment a day. In addition, I give lectures and tutorials for disabled groups and massage therapists.

I’m keen to share my knowledge and experience, to encourage other people to consider using their feet for massage, but more importantly to urge them to be determined to follow up their career ideas, whatever the apparent obstacles.

• For more information, visit http://www.enjoyfeet.co.uk, email info@enjoyfeet.co.uk or telephone 01792 366938

SUE KENT: CAREER PATH

• 1978-1980 – British Home Stores, office administration
• 1981-1983 – Bristol Polytechnic: HND Marketing and Advertising
• 1981-1983 – International Computers Ltd, Reading: full and part-time
• 1984-1987 – Argos Distributors Ltd, London Head Office, Buying and Marketing
• 1987-1988 – The Jewellers Guild Ltd, London Head Office, Marketing Executive
• 1988-2004 – Active Marketing / The Market­ing Company: part-time
• 2000-2007 – Stephen Kent and Company, Chartered Accountants: part-time
• 2006 – Started Enjoyfeet Massage
• 2008 – Formed Enjoyfeet Ltd
• 2008 – Qualified as a professional massage therapist